reading
English meaning: Reading
Definition
To look at and interpret letters or other information that is written.
Example
“Have you read this book?”
Another example: “The gas company sent someone to take a meter reading.”
Usage — When, Where & How
As a verb (present participle/gerund of 'read'), the act of interpreting written text ('reading a book', 'love reading'). As a noun, a public recitation ('a poetry reading'), an instrument's measurement ('a meter reading'), or an interpretation. Common in education and everyday life. Note Reading is also a town in Berkshire.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'read', from Old English 'rǣdan' (to advise, interpret, read), of Germanic origin; the gerund usage developed with the verb.
Synonyms
- perusal
- interpretation
- recital
- study
- recitation
- scanning
Related Words
- aliyah
- math
- comprehension
- grade
- aloud
- berkshire
- algebra
- mathematics
- grades
- skills
Common Collocations
- reading a book
- reading comprehension
- further reading
- meter reading
- bedtime reading
- poetry reading
Word Forms
read (v); reads; read; reading; reader (n); readable (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B